Connacht Prepare For Visit Of Edinburgh

Following last Sunday's disappointing two-point loss away to Glasgow Warriors, the Connacht squad were back in training yesterday to prepare for the visit of Edinburgh in round 14 of the RaboDirect PRO12.

Connacht will face Scottish opposition for the second time in six days when Alan Solomons' Edinburgh side vist Galway on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

There were some minor injury concerns arising from last weekend's encounter in difficult conditions at Scotstoun Stadium.

Winger Matt Healy left the pitch after 20 minutes with a recurring hip injury. The 24-year-old will continue to be monitored this week.

Michael Kearney (ankle) and Andrew Browne (eye laceration) were also withdrawn through injury in Scotstoun Stadium, but both forwards are expected to be available to play this weekend.

Veteran back Gavin Duffy, who has played in 16 of Connacht's 19 games this season, was unavailable to play in Glasgow due to shoulder aggravation. The Mayo man is likely to resume training within the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, David McSharry and Miah Nikora both returned from long-term injuries last weekend, playing for Connacht Eagles at home to Munster 'A'. Both backs came through the game without difficulty.

Danie Poolman has been out of action since October. The South African born winger/centre is recovering well from a knee injury and is expected to be match fit within the next two weeks.

Ireland international Robbie Henshaw is involved in the national squad's training camp in Clonmel this week but will return to the province ahead of the game on Saturday.

The team to face Edinburgh is set to be announced on Friday afternoon. The round 14 fixture will not be televised so the only way to get in on the action is to get down to the Sportsground.

Tickets for Connacht v Edinburgh are available online from tickets.ie, or you can buy them from the Connacht Rugby office and Centra and SuperValu stores province-wide.